Why Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has been so pleased with Peter Haring influence

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has been delighted with midfielder Peter Haring. Picture: SNS

The Austrian was a huge loss across the 2019/20 season due to a groin injury which robbed him of a year of his career.

More than any other summer signing, supporters were most excited to see Haring back.

His footballing ability and personality has also endeared himself to Neilson.

The Hearts boss is keen not to rush him back, but Haring is well on his way to becoming a key cog once more with five appearances so far this campaign, including his first start since the 2019 Scottish Cup final.

There is every chance he will be involved in Saturday’s clash with Hibs, even if it is from the bench.

Neilson said: “When I first came in, I didn’t know where he would be after being out for so long.We didn’t know a) would he continue to play? And b) would he take a year to get back? I didn’t put a timescale on that.

“I’ve been really pleased with him. We are still being quite tentative with him at the moment just to make sure he is okay. We’re not going to push him too hard.

“He’s great, he’s just a calming influence on the players and you see that in some of the games. In the Dundee match, it was 100 mph then we brought Peter on and it just settles things down.

"He’s strong, will take the ball, move it, he’s got composure which rubs off on everyone else.

"It’s a massive bonus to have Peter available, especially after losing John Souttar.”